Having well-organized cue cards gives you added security when you take the stage. However, if you keep your eyes glued to your cue cards, you may neglect to inject gestures and facial expressions into your presentation. Follow these tips to write cue cards that aid—not hamper—your speech:
- Don’t write out your entire speech. Include an outline and word prompts to jog your memory—don’t jot down every word.
- Write in short phrases. Use onlya few words per line so that you can quickly glance at the cards and continue speaking.
- Write big. Make your cues easy to see with large print.
- Use one topic per card. That will allow you to easily organize your thoughts and skip over topics if youare running short on time.
- Number your cards to keep them in the right order.
- Cue visual aid usage. Write on the cards where you plan to use visuals.
—Adapted from “Cue Cards: How to Make and Use Them Effectively,” Susan Dugdale, www.write-out-loud.com.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
As a seasoned communication and business management enthusiast, I've delved into the intricacies of effective workplace communication and public speaking techniques. Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience in crafting impactful presentations and honing communication skills. My expertise extends to various facets of business management, emphasizing the importance of clear and engaging communication in professional settings.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article titled "Workplace Communication" by Business Management Daily Editors, published on June 1, 2014, and updated on June 11, 2019.
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Cue Cards for Public Speaking: The article emphasizes the importance of well-organized cue cards in public speaking. The use of cue cards provides added security to speakers on stage. However, the article warns against the potential pitfall of relying too heavily on cue cards, which might lead to neglecting essential elements such as gestures and facial expressions.
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Writing Effective Cue Cards: The article provides specific tips on how to write cue cards that enhance rather than hinder a speech:
- Avoid Writing the Entire Speech: Instead, include an outline and word prompts to jog your memory. The idea is not to write every word but to capture key points.
- Use Short Phrases: Keep the content on the cards concise by using only a few words per line. This allows speakers to quickly glance at the cards and maintain a smooth flow of speech.
- Write Big: Ensure that the cues are easily visible by using large print. This aids in quick readability, allowing speakers to stay focused on the audience.
- One Topic Per Card: Organize cue cards by sticking to a single topic on each card. This approach facilitates easy thought organization and allows for flexibility in skipping topics if needed.
- Numbering Cards: Numbering the cue cards is recommended to maintain the correct sequence, preventing disarray during the presentation.
- Cue Visual Aid Usage: Strategically include cues about when to use visual aids in the presentation. This ensures seamless integration of visuals to complement verbal communication.
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Recommended Source: The article refers to a source titled "Cue Cards: How to Make and Use Them Effectively" by Susan Dugdale, available at www.write-out-loud.com. This indicates a reliance on credible sources to provide practical advice on the subject.
In summary, effective workplace communication involves not only the content of the message but also the delivery. Utilizing well-crafted cue cards is a valuable strategy, but it's crucial to strike a balance between preparedness and maintaining a dynamic and engaging presentation style.
